7+ Year Member

I am currently an Asian male junior at an ivy league school w/ a 3.9 gpa and I have a avg amount of activites. I took the mcats this august and I got 8VR 12PS 14BS R. I really want to get into the UC's and Standford, but esp LA, but I also want a shot at top tier schools like Harvard, Hopkins, Columbia P&S and U Mich. I was doing really well on the practice exams the whole week before the exam on verbal. I was hitting 11's all week, but I just choked on the exam. So what I wanted to know is how badly will that 8 effect my chances at the top tier schools and what particular score do you think it'd be worth retaking the exam for. Thanks.

"there is no such thing as determination....
only desperaton...."
-Walls0cedar

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I was in the same situation as you. I got a 8 the first time and a 12 the second time. If you did that well on the practice tests then i dont see any reason why you would'nt want to take it again. A high verbal score makes you look more like a rounded student, not just a science nerd. Anyway it sounds to me you just want encourage to take it again. Do it. Practice the verbal passages. The hardest part for me was to get through everything in time, and after some practice i didn't have any problem on the real thing.

I live in a van DOWN BY THE RIVER!!!

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Dude if you hit a 12 on Verbal like lumaniac (given that you Were hitting 11's, with more practice you could be at 12's in time), then you'll be set for any of those schools. your gpa is awesome, now the mcat sections need to be in all double digits, so get at least a 10 on Verbal while maintaining the others and you'll get into those ivy's.

7+ Year Member

You're joking right! You have an overall MCAT score thats great, a great GPA and you're worried about the 8 in verbal! Bro relax a little...with your stats the question isn't if you'll get in, but how many places will you get in. Work on the self-esteem before interview time..you have no real reason to be that self concious. If you want to retake the MCAT do it for yourself, not because you think it will help you that much. Many people strive to get that 8 and never do, many people get in with lower than an 8 verbal. Just my thoughts.

Loma Linda University SM
Class of 2006

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10+ Year Member

I agree with serpiente. The 8 is good for most schools, but for the top schools he's interested in, it is probably a good idea to retake. On the other hand, if he's happy with other schools, the 8's fine and will save a lot of work in retaking the MCAT.

7+ Year Member

Too bad the "Stanfurd" campaign has gone nowhere for the East Bay contingent.

And I won't say anything about football...

Case Western School of Medicine '09
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Interviewer: Mr. DeLay, have you ever crossed the line of ethical behavior in terms of dealing with lobbyists, your use of government authority or with fundraising?

Mr. DeLay: Ever is a very strong word.

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7+ Year Member

i guess i don't get it either. i thought it was just the way dorks said stanford or harvard (trying to tone down the name or something so they don't come off as cocky). i guess i thought that because saying "i have an interview at Harvard" is much more intimidating than saying "I have an interview at Hahvud."

7+ Year Member

IMHO, i'd say retake it. an 8 is decent, but if you want to go to those top schools, you might as well retake the test. good verbal scores indicate for strong usmle scores (better than the other sections!) and the schools know it.

10+ Year Member

Originally posted by A. Caveman:
<strong>i guess i don't get it either. i thought it was just the way dorks said stanford or harvard (trying to tone down the name or something so they don't come off as cocky). i guess i thought that because saying "i have an interview at Harvard" is much more intimidating than saying "I have an interview at Hahvud."</strong><hr></blockquote>

It's just college rivalry. Stanfurd has had the axe for I think the past 6 years straight. Yes, our east bay team has been pretty shoddy....The main strong name we had left (Carter)

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A Toast To Alcohol - The cause of - and solution to - all of life's problems!

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10+ Year Member

i guess legi just spotted a fellow class mate. take the exam again you wuss. if you take it next april you'll still be ahead of the game. and a nice verbal score can put you in primetime consideration for all the top schools.